Staff Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Product Designer

Company: Ethos Life

Location: Remote US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations

Date Posted: October 28, 2025

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (US-Based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead design strategy and vision across diverse business units, driving innovation in both new product development and optimization of core offerings.

• Champion a user-centric approach to product design, ensuring seamless and impactful customer experiences from initial concept to market launch.

• Collaborate closely with executive stakeholders, including Product, Engineering, and Marketing, to align design initiatives with overarching business objectives and drive measurable growth.

• Lead end-to-end design projects, from discovery and problem definition through to implementation and post-launch impact measurement.

• Foster a high-velocity, experiment-driven design culture that prioritizes rapid iteration and data-informed decision-making to achieve predictable, excellent output.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "Staff Product Designer," its emphasis on leading design strategy, managing executive stakeholders, driving growth initiatives, and measuring business impact positions it as a critical role within the Go-To-Market (GTM) operations spectrum. The successful candidate will not only be a skilled designer but also a strategic partner in shaping business outcomes through product innovation and optimization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and lead the design strategy for multiple business units, ensuring alignment with Ethos Life's mission and growth objectives.

• Establish and champion the vision for the company's overall user experience, setting the standard for quality and impact across all product touchpoints.

• Drive the creation of new, innovative products and continuously iterate on existing offerings to enhance user satisfaction and business performance.

• Balance the execution of smaller, impactful projects with large-scale strategic initiatives that elevate the entire product portfolio.

• Effectively manage relationships and communication with executive-level stakeholders across Product, Engineering, Marketing, and other departments to ensure cohesive strategy and execution.

• Proactively identify and implement improvements to the product development lifecycle in collaboration with cross-functional partners, optimizing for efficiency and effectiveness.

• Lead design efforts for "zero-to-one" initiatives, operating within a fast-paced, startup-like environment to bring novel concepts to life.

• Conduct and leverage growth experiments at the top of the funnel for core products to drive user acquisition and engagement.

• Clearly articulate the rationale behind design decisions, demonstrating intentionality, rigorous thinking, and a deep understanding of user needs and business goals.

• Measure and report on the impact of design work on key business metrics, showcasing ROI and contribution to company success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, common in senior design roles within high-growth companies. The emphasis on "zero-to-one" experiences and growth experiments specifically points to a GTM operations focus, where design directly influences market penetration and revenue generation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in Product Design.

• At least 2 years of experience working within a venture-funded, private startup environment is a mandatory requirement.

• The majority of professional experience should be in-house, focusing on direct-to-consumer (DTC) products.

• Proven track record of operating successfully in a high-velocity, experiment-driven environment.

Required Skills:

• Product Design Leadership: Ability to lead design strategy, set vision, and influence product direction across multiple business units.

• User Experience (UX) Design: Deep expertise in creating intuitive, engaging, and effective user experiences for direct-to-consumer products.

• Design Process Agility: Understanding of when to apply comprehensive design processes and when to adopt streamlined, rapid approaches to achieve predictable, high-quality outcomes.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to manage and collaborate effectively with executive-level stakeholders across various departments (Product, Engineering, Marketing, etc.).

• Impact Measurement: Demonstrated skill in measuring the business impact of design decisions and communicating this effectively.

• End-to-End Project Management: Experience leading design projects from initial discovery and problem definition through to engineering implementation and post-launch analysis.

• 0-1 Product Launch Experience: Proven ability to conceptualize, design, and launch entirely new products from scratch.

• Storytelling & Communication: Articulate design rationale clearly, demonstrating intentionality, rigorous thinking, and the ability to present work effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Growth Experimentation: Experience designing and implementing growth experiments to drive user acquisition and engagement.

• Content Design: Proficiency in crafting clear, compelling, and user-friendly content that enhances the overall product experience.

• Visual Design Polish: A strong aesthetic sense and attention to detail in visual execution.

• Interaction Design: Expertise in designing sophisticated and intuitive user interactions.

• Consumer Insurtech Experience: Familiarity with the life insurance or broader insurtech industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "at least 2 years at a venture-funded, private startup" and "majority of your experience is in-house working on direct-to-consumer products" strongly indicates a need for candidates who understand the unique pace, challenges, and strategic imperatives of scaling tech companies. The emphasis on measuring impact and leading 0-1 products further aligns this role with GTM operational success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase end-to-end design projects, detailing the problem, your process, design decisions, and measurable outcomes.

• 0-1 Product Examples: Include case studies that specifically highlight the design and launch of new products from conception.

• Growth Experimentation: Demonstrate examples of designing and executing growth experiments, including hypothesis, methodology, and results analysis.

• User-Centricity: Illustrate a deep understanding of user needs and how your designs address them, supported by research or validation methods.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Provide evidence of working effectively with cross-functional teams and managing executive feedback.

• Impact Metrics: Clearly present how your design work has positively impacted business objectives (e.g., conversion rates, engagement, revenue).

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Articulation: Be prepared to clearly explain your design process, including how you adapt it based on project needs and timelines (e.g., knowing when to "shortcut" the process).

• Problem Definition & Ideation: Showcase your ability to define complex problems and generate a range of creative solutions.

• Validation & Iteration: Detail how you validate design concepts and iterate based on feedback and data.

• Implementation & Measurement: Demonstrate understanding of working closely with engineering for implementation and defining metrics for post-launch analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on both innovation and optimization within a GTM context, the portfolio must not only showcase design craft but also strategic thinking, business acumen, and a results-oriented approach. Emphasis on quantifiable impact and the ability to launch new ventures is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $126,000 - $224,000 per year (US National Base Salary)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Stock Options/Equity: Potential for equity grants, common in venture-backed startups.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, training, and conference attendance.

• Life Insurance: As a company in the life insurance sector, this is a core offering.

• Additional Perks: Specific details can be found at https://www.ethoslife.com/careers/.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility: As a remote role, there is inherent flexibility in work hours, with an expectation of availability during core business hours for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for base salary only and does not include potential bonuses, equity, or other benefits. The range is broad, reflecting potential differences in experience, specific skills, and geographic cost of living within the US remote structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurtech, Financial Technology (FinTech), Life Insurance

Company Size: Mid-size to Large (Implied by growth and investor base, likely 200-500+ employees)

Founded: 2015

Team Structure:

• Design Team: Operates within a collaborative structure, likely with other Product Designers, Researchers, and potentially specialized roles.

• Growth & New Business Team: This specific team is focused on driving top-line growth through new ventures and optimizing the customer acquisition funnel.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Design is deeply integrated with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, Data Science, and Operations teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven & Experimentation: Emphasizes using data analytics and A/B testing to inform decisions and validate hypotheses.

• Agile Product Development: Iterative development cycles, focusing on rapid prototyping, feedback, and continuous improvement.

• User-Centric Design: Prioritizes understanding and solving user problems through thoughtful design solutions.

• Lean Startup Principles: Encourages operating with speed, agility, and a willingness to experiment and pivot.

Company Website: https://www.ethoslife.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Ethos Life positions itself as a technology-first company disrupting a traditional industry. The culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and focused on measurable outcomes, requiring individuals who are comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff Designer - This indicates a senior individual contributor role with significant influence and autonomy. It's a step below Principal or Director levels but carries substantial responsibility for strategy and execution.

Reporting Structure:

• Likely reports to a Head of Product Design, Director of Product, or VP of Product.

Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct impact on Ethos Life's revenue growth by designing new business lines and optimizing the customer acquisition funnel.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Track: Potential to grow into Principal Designer, Design Lead, or Managerial roles, overseeing larger initiatives or teams.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like growth design, new product innovation, or user research within the FinTech/Insurtech space.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deep experience collaborating with executive leadership and various business functions, enhancing strategic business acumen.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in the Insurtech and DTC product space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title suggests a high level of individual contribution and influence. Growth opportunities will likely involve taking on larger strategic bets, mentoring junior designers, and potentially moving into leadership positions within the product organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote (US-Based)

Office Location(s): While remote, the company has a significant presence and history in San Francisco, CA. However, this role is open to candidates across the US.

Workspace Context:

• Home Office Setup: Candidates are expected to have a productive and reliable home office environment conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Heavy reliance on tools like Slack, Zoom, Figma, and project management software for communication and workflow.

• Asynchronous Communication: Emphasis on clear written communication and documentation to support remote and distributed teams.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional syncs to foster collaboration.

Work Schedule:

• While the role is full-time (approx. 40 hours/week), the remote nature allows for flexibility in scheduling.

• Core collaboration hours will be expected to overlap with East Coast to West Coast time zones to facilitate team syncs and stakeholder interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature requires strong self-discipline, proactive communication, and proficiency with digital collaboration tools. Candidates should be comfortable working independently while actively engaging with their remote team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Recruiter Screen: Initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, role expectations, and strategic thinking.

3. Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge:

• Portfolio Review: Present 2-3 case studies that demonstrate end-to-end product design, 0-1 product experience, and impact measurement. Be prepared to discuss your process, decisions, and outcomes in detail.
• Design Challenge: This may involve a take-home assignment or a live working session focused on a specific problem relevant to Ethos Life's growth or new product initiatives.

1. Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, and potentially Marketing to assess collaboration skills and strategic alignment.

2. Executive Interview: Final conversation, often with a senior leader (e.g., VP Product, Head of Design), to evaluate strategic impact and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Quantify the business impact of your work whenever possible (e.g., "Increased conversion by X%," "Reduced churn by Y%").

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: problem, your approach, key decisions, challenges, solutions, and measurable results.

• Showcase 0-1 Work: Highlight your ability to take an idea from concept to reality, demonstrating strategic thinking and execution.

• Demonstrate Process Agility: Explain how you adapted your design process for different project types and timelines.

• Visual Polish & Interaction: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing and clearly demonstrates interaction details and user flows.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with Ethos Life's focus on growth, DTC, and innovation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Ethos Life's products, market position, and growth strategy.

• Think Strategically: Approach any challenge with a business and user-centric mindset. Consider the "why" behind the problem and the potential business impact of your solutions.

• Process Over Perfection: Focus on demonstrating a strong, adaptable design process and clear rationale, rather than just a polished final UI.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for each interviewer about the team, challenges, and company vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skill but also strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to operate effectively in a high-growth, remote startup environment. A strong portfolio showcasing quantifiable impact and 0-1 experience is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly likely as industry standard for collaboration), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite.

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Optimal Workshop.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Asana, Trello, Confluence, Slack, Google Workspace.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude.

• Data Visualization/BI Tools: Tableau, Looker (familiarity is a plus).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary tool for a designer, understanding how CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with user-facing products is beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a de facto requirement for collaborative remote design roles. Familiarity with analytics tools is crucial for measuring design impact. Understanding the broader MarTech/SalesTech stack helps in designing for GTM effectiveness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: Focus on delivering measurable results and contributing directly to business growth.

• Customer-Obsessed: Deep empathy for users and a commitment to solving their problems effectively.

• Agile & Iterative: Embrace rapid experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborative: Work effectively across teams, valuing diverse perspectives and open communication.

• Data-Informed: Utilize data and analytics to guide decisions and measure success.

• Ownership & Accountability: Take initiative and responsibility for projects from start to finish.

Collaboration Style:

• Transparent Communication: Open sharing of ideas, feedback, and progress updates.

• Constructive Critiques: Regular design reviews and feedback sessions to elevate work.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Strong relationships with Product, Engineering, and Marketing to ensure cohesive product development and go-to-market strategies.

• Remote-First Mindset: Proactive engagement and clear documentation to facilitate seamless collaboration across different locations and time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely reflects a blend of startup energy and a structured approach to growth. Candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and thrive in a collaborative, results-oriented environment will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Navigating the pressure to deliver quickly in a startup environment while maintaining high design standards and thoroughness.

• Defining New Markets/Products: Leading the design for "zero-to-one" initiatives requires significant strategic thinking, risk-taking, and the ability to operate with incomplete information.

• Measuring Impact in a Complex Funnel: Accurately attributing business impact to design decisions within a multi-stage customer journey can be complex.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent vision and execution across diverse stakeholder groups with potentially competing priorities.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Strategy: Deepen expertise in product strategy, business model innovation, and market analysis through hands-on experience.

• Growth Design Mastery: Become an expert in conversion rate optimization (CRO), experimentation frameworks, and user acquisition strategies.

• Leadership Skills: Develop mentorship capabilities and potentially lead design initiatives or small teams.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain specialized insights into the rapidly evolving Insurtech and FinTech landscapes.

• Executive Communication: Refine skills in presenting to and influencing senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in fast-growing tech companies, offering significant opportunities for professional development and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design strategy for a new business line or product from scratch. What was your process, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you approach balancing rapid experimentation with maintaining a cohesive and high-quality user experience?"

• "Walk us through a situation where you had to influence executive stakeholders to adopt your design recommendations. What was your approach, and what was the result?"

• "How do you measure the business impact of your design work, particularly in a DTC growth context?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Ethos Life's mission and our position in the Insurtech market?"

• "How do you envision contributing to our growth and new business objectives?"

• "Describe your ideal remote work environment and how you ensure effective collaboration with a distributed team."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role and responsibilities, the design process, key decisions made (and why), challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results.

• Highlight Impact: Emphasize the business outcomes and user benefits directly attributable to your work. Use data and metrics effectively.

• Showcase 0-1 Experience: Dedicate significant time to explaining your process for launching something entirely new, from concept to validated product.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your decision-making, trade-offs, and the specific challenges you faced.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Explain how you adapted your design process based on project constraints, timelines, and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not only a skilled designer but also a strategic thinker, a strong communicator, and a proactive problem-solver who understands how design drives business growth.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse portal via the provided job link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 detailed case studies that showcase your experience in launching 0-1 products, driving growth experiments, and measuring business impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 7+ years of product design experience, specific startup experience, DTC product work, and leadership in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare responses to common strategy and behavioral questions, and be ready to present case studies confidently.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ethos Life's mission, products, target audience, and recent company news to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment with their goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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